Rosecrance Flower Day May 10

Rosecrance Flower Day at Gensler Gardens marks the official start of the planting season and raises funds for mental health and substance abuse treatment programs and services.

The event is set for 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, May 10, at both Gensler Gardens locations: 8631 11th St., New Milford, and 102 Orth Road, Loves Park.

Shoppers have an opportunity to enter a drawing to win a beautiful garnet ring donated for the occasion by Busch Jewelers.

Rosecrance volunteers will be on hand to help shoppers find their way around the greenhouses and assist in carrying purchases to vehicles.

Scott Gensler said the weather should be good for planting by Flower Day, which is just before Mother’s Day. He warned gardeners against planting too early because of the possibility of more overnight frosts. Gensler said Mother’s Day weekend usually is the turning point for safe planting.

One of the hottest new annuals that will be available this year at Gensler Gardens is a variety of calibrachoa from Proven Winner called “Superbells Cherry Star.” The plant offers a profusion of cherry red blooms, each with a yellow star in the middle. The Cherry Star looks like a miniature petunia.

The Cherry Star is a hardy plant that’s easy to grow. If it lives up to its billing, this little beauty is a low-maintenance dream. Gardeners are warned against overwatering the Cherry Star, and spent flowers do not have to be pinched off to get new blooms.

The Cherry Star grows 6 to 10 inches tall and spreads out in low, bushy clusters without getting spindly. It takes full sun. How easy is that!

Gensler Gardens offers a full greenhouse selection of annuals, perennials and gorgeous hanging baskets. The Gensler family generously donates a portion of the day’s proceeds to Rosecrance. Flower Day annually raises about $25,000 to support treatment services.

“We are so grateful for the Gensler family’s commitment to Rosecrance and to the hundreds of gardeners who wait until Flower Day to stock up for the season,” said Lynne Vass, Rosecrance senior vice president of development. “Each purchase makes this a healthier community, not to mention a more beautiful one.”